I have progressively gotten worse and worse about making time to read, and even though I love it, I know that biting off more than I can chew in terms of reading goals is only going to make me feel like I failed, so I decided to make a short list this year and try to commit to reading at least these six books. Some of them are practical and parenting-related, one is a book of poetry, one is a memoir, a classic novel, and then a bit of non-religious spirituality to round it all out.

• What Kind of Woman: This collection of poems came out last year and it is one of the only books I’ve ever preordered. Once mine arrived, I immediately ordered more copies to give to friends. I can’t get enough of it, and it is going on my 2021 list because it has a semi-permanent spot not on my bookshelf, but on my bedside table. I’m constantly flipping through it and absolutely cannot get enough.

• An Altar in the World: I started this book a while ago and then didn’t get super into it, but I want to finish it (or maybe even start over) this year. I absolutely love hearing from spiritual people who have left their churches (which is a journey I myself have taken) and found God in other, less structured ways and places.

• Oh Crap: Potty Training: Definitely not the most fun book on this list, but it’s one of the few that I have already finished. I find the author of this book to be really rude and kind of intimidating, but the potty training method she uses worked really well for us. I always promised myself that potty training was one thing I would never write about on this blog, so I’ll leave it at that.

• The Great Gatsby: One of my favorite classics, which I used to read pretty regularly. It felt like the start of the new ‘20s was a good reason to dust it off for another re-read, you know?

• The Montessori Toddler: This book is not only super informative, but really beautiful to flip through. Sophie went to a Montessori preschool for a few months before the pandemic hit and it felt like such a good fit. I’m always trying to incorporate some Montessori principals into our own home and play.

• Our Lady of Perpetual Hunger: I love a memoir, but a food memoir? Sign me up.

I’m sure I may pick up another book or two this year but I like having this short and very manageable list right now. I always feel so much better when I read (especially before bed instead of mindlessly scrolling on my phone). What are you reading this year?

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I've finally gotten back into the habit of reading every night before I go to bed and it's been so nice--I'm definitely way too addicted to my phone so I always try to set it aside a few times a day (especially when Sophie is awake). Making time to read is such an important thing to me, so I like to have a working list of titles that I'm currently working on or plan to read next.

Here's what that looks like right now:

• Salt Fat Acid Heat: Mastering the Elements of Good Cooking: I've had my eye on this book for a long time (I listened to the author on an episode of the Bon Appétit podcast a while ago and loved her). It's kind of a cookbook but it's also just a book about cooking, which I love. And the illustrations are so good. I love sitting down with it and a cup of coffee every morning for a few minutes.
• What to Do When I'm Gone: A Mother's Wisdom to Her Daughter: This is on my list but I don't know if I'll be able to get through it. It looks beautiful but sad. I tend to love that kind of stuff but since having Sophie I've kind of stayed away from anything that might make me even more emotional than I already am.
• Things Are What You Make of Them: Life Advice for Creatives: I started following Adam J. Kurtz on Instagram recently and I just love him. Can't wait to read this.
• Amateur Hour: Motherhood in Essays and Swear Words: Really digging novels and essays about motherhood these days, and this one has been recommended by a few people who are almost always reading something good. 
• The Self-Driven Child: The Science and Sense of Giving Your Child More Control Over Their Lives: A friend just recommended this to me and said she is really loving it. I tend to be an anxious and somewhat control freak-y person, so I really like the idea of being conscious of how that could affect a kid and their own anxiety/development.
• Educated: A Memoir: Another highly recommended book (and if it involves a cult then I'm definitely going to read it).

What are you reading these days?

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Now that we're on more of a schedule, one of my favorite parts of the day is after Sophie's bath when we sit in the rocking chair together as I feed her before reading her a story. We have so many great books and it's so fun to see her looking at the pages and listening to the words. I loved sharing these books with you last time so I'm back again with an updated list of books I can't wait to read to our daughter:

• Stellaluna: This is one of my all-time favorite books from when I was a kid. The illustrations are gorgeous and I just loved Stellaluna so much. I can't wait to read this one to Sophie soon.
• Press Here: I haven't read this one yet but I love interactive books like this. We have a farm animals book with different little swatches on each page and it's so fun to let her touch them.
• What Do You Believe? and The Kid's Book of World Religions: On Easter this year I wondered how we would celebrate when she's older--Rob and I both grew up Catholic and I was really involved in my church, but that's not the case for me anymore. I want to acknowledge what we believe, but I also want Sophie to know there are a lot of other ways people have a relationship with God (or not). These books seem like a good place to start that conversation.
• Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth: This one is in my Amazon cart ready to go. I just think it looks so beautiful and sweet--it's one of those books I wish I had had when I was younger.
• Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History: I am obsessed with this book--I think I read that it's coming in a board book format soon and I might get that one, too (Sophie loves books but she's a little young to sit still long enough for a non-picture book at this point). The illustrations are beautiful and I love having the opportunity to introduce her to so many badass women of color.

That's all for now! As always I'd love to hear any recommendations from you--I'm always on the hunt for a new book!

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